By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Oct 5: Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Sarawak (M-FICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom wants the people who work under his ministry to have integrity and to be disciplined when carrying out their duties.
Dr Rundi said this in his message before officiating at the M-FICORD Integrity Day, which was held at a local hotel here today.
“I took an oath of trust and integrity when I became a minister and a representative of the people.
“Integrity reflects our true nature. Who we truly are is determined by the integrity and trust we demonstrate when carrying out our responsibilities,” he asserted.
He also emphasised how Malaysia dropped from the 57th position in 2020 with a total score of 51 to the 62nd position in 2021 with a score of 48 in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which was cited on the ‘Transparency International, The Global Coalition Against Corruption’ website.
“This situation is viewed as very concerning, and we must address it as soon as possible to ensure that the national CPI’s position and score do not continue to decline year after year.
“Therefore, in Sarawak, we are appreciative of the honourable Premier’s leadership, and the heads of departments have already instructed all officers who have been entrusted to carry out their duties with complete integrity,” he noted.
Dr Rundi, who is also the Kemena assemblyman, highlighted that the Integrity Day should be held every year so that people can carry out their duties more perfectly and for the benefit of the country’s and State’s image.
“With our desire to develop Sarawak by 2030, we must have the highest integrity and discipline, so that whatever funds we have are optimised and used to the greatest extent possible to benefit the people of Sarawak,” he added.
During the ceremony, ministry employees recited and signed a pledge to be free of corruption.
Also present were M-FICORD deputy minister (Food Industry) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, M-FICORD deputy minister (Commodity and Regional Development) Martin Ben, M-FICORD permanent secretary Datu Edwin Abit, and Sarawak Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) senior superintendent Maini @ Anie William. — DayakDaily
